It’s February, and the annual debate has begun. The subject of Black History Month becomes the centerpiece of many a water-cooler conversation.

A poll of almost 10,000 Americans conducted in January shows there is no consensus on the topic of Black History Month. The survey, conducted by MSN and Zogby International, found that 43 percent of Americans believe setting one month of the year to focus on a racially defined observance is a token gesture, while 39 percent say that is an opportunity to raise awareness of African-American history and accomplishments (18 percent are not sure).

Is it a valuable and necessary way for African-American history—an essential part of American history—to be offered to the public?

Or is it, as one scholar wrote in the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, “simply a guilt-driven public relations scam to pacify blacks who otherwise receive no attention on the bread and butter issues of education, jobs, and health care?”

African-Americans have varying opinions on the issue, too. The poll found that 28 percent feel that dedicating only February to black history is a token gesture. Celebrities Morgan Freeman and Bill Cosby have spoken out against it. “I don’t want a black history month,” Freeman said on 60 Minutes. “Black history is American history.” Comedians Chris Rock and Dick Gregory have made jokes about it. Recently, The Daily Show With Jon Stewart did a riff on the debate over Black History Month.

A city politician wants to see the n-word abolished. On the first day of Black History Month, Queens Councilman Leroy Comrie yesterday introduced a resolution calling on New Yorkers to shun the racial slur.

“It’s my hope this resolution will spark a dialogue in all communities and begin to move our society, especially in our entertainment culture, toward a place where the n-word is simply unacceptable to be used in any context,” Comrie said.

Among supporters was Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott, who said, “I’m a black man who is someone who is just offended anytime I hear the n-word. No matter who uses the word, it’s totally unacceptable. It’s a word that should be banned from our language altogether.”